There
is no test to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy. The selection
of appropriate diagnostic tests is important in ruling out
underlying causes of seizures. Routine haematological and biochemical
screening is usually performed to rule out metabolic causes
eg electrolyte abnormalities, hypoglycaemia and hepatic disease
(pre- and post-prandial bile salts). Hypothyroidism may occur
in association with epilepsy and although it is not an accepted
cause of seizure activity, its presence may make seizure control more
difficult. Testing of Total T4, Free T4 and endogenous TSH,
may be appropriate. A full database should also include routine
urinalysis. Serological testing for infectious causes of seizure
includes Toxoplasma (IgM and IgG) and Neospora serology.
If
the history suggests focal seizures there may be an increased
likelihood of detecting cerebral pathology and examination
of CSF may be appropriate. CSF analysis should include protein
quantification, cell count, differential nucleated cell count,
Distemper virus antibody titre, coronavirus antibody titre.
Where possible PCR for Distemper, Toxoplasmosis, and Neosporosis
should also be performed. Access to electroencephalography
(EEG) is not commonly available and is rarely helpful in seizuring
dogs. |
Image:
Sample of CSF from a dog with CNS lymphoma - courtesy of Laurent Garosi, Davies Veterinary Specialists.
|
References
Patterson
EE, Mickelson JR, Da Y, Roberts MC, McVey AS, O'Brien DP, Johnson
GS, Armstrong PJ (2003) Clinical characteristics and
inheritance of idiopathic epilepsy in Vizslas. JVIM 17(3),
319-25.
- PubMed - |
